Gymnic garment and relevant kit

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a gymnic device or kit for the execution of exercises exploiting the elastic reaction of extensible elements; the device comprises:—a pair of elastic elements or straps, presenting a distal or bottom end and a proximal or upper end;—a garment wearable by the user comprising a pair of trousers provided with a pair of channels, extending along both legs of the trousers, in which are inserted the elastic elements or the elastic straps; each of said channels extends, from top to bottom, according to a curved path that starts from the external area of the trousers leg, in correspondence of the sides, and that extends towards the rear area of the leg of the trousers.

The present invention relates to a gymnic garment and a related kit comprising the garment and a pair of shoes connected to it.

In particular, the gymnic or exercise garment and the kit of the present invention are intended to form a new and efficient tool to be applied to the human body to allow a continuous series of exercises that exploit the elastic properties of a pair of straps.

The invention is also particularly important in the field of rehabilitation because it facilitates the locomotion of subjects presenting some pathologies of the movement.

It is known the use of elastic belts or spring extenders for the execution of gymnastic or rehabilitation exercises.

Are also known gymnic devices, more or less complex, that use elastic straps applied to portions of the human body.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,663,641 describes a pair of belts to be applied to the shoulders and at the foot of a user to perform exercises.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,097,376 describes a pair of elastic straps which are connected at the top to a sort of bodice and inferiorly to the shoes worn by the user by means of hooks.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,606,745 and 5,867,827 relate to gymnic suits provided with zones in elastic material to allow the execution of exercises, elastically deforming the portions of the suit arranged in correspondence of some parts of the body such as, for example, the upper and lower limbs.

Another gymnic garment is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,065,814, in which is shown a suit that covers the upper and lower limbs of the wearer's body and is provided with elastic bands which extend along the entire body of the user, from the shoulders to the area lower legs. The elastic bands are arranged on the front and on the back of the suit. As provided in U.S. Pat. No. 4,065,814, the elastic bands placed on the front are subjected to stress when the user's leg is bent, by subjecting the body of the wearer to a stress greater than during the free-moving. In practice, U.S. Pat. No. 4,065,814 teaches the use of a gymnic suit able to provide an elastic reaction to substantially all the activities of the user, without a specific purpose, and this is a drawback in cases where it is necessary to work only a specific part of the musculature, or in cases where it is only a particular limb movement that needs to be improved and/or cured.

The systems known until now are impractical and are usable with a certain difficulty. Their use is limited to gyms and similar places, because these systems are not compatible with the commonly used clothing for every day.

Aim of the present invention is to provide a gymnic garment and a related kit comprising the garment and a pair of shoes connected to the garment that can solve the drawbacks mentioned above.

This result has been achieved in accordance with the invention by adopting the idea of making a garment having the characteristics described in the independent claims. Other features are described in the dependent claims.

Among the advantages of the present invention can be listed those described below.

The garment and the kit allow to perform continuously a series of exercises in natural and spontaneous way; with the present invention it is possible to adjust in easy and intuitive way the force required for the execution of the exercises; in addition, the garment can be worn even in non strictly sporting field, i.e. it is not limited to be used in gyms and similar places because it includes a pair of trousers of substantially “normal” manufacture that can be used in a great variety of situations; in other words, with the present invention it is possible to practice in a continuous manner at all times of the day, without the limitations usually determined by a purely sporting apparel; the exercises allowed by the present invention are extremely effective because they determine an alternation between the movement of “push” exercised by the user and the “return” determined by the elastic reaction of the bands that are part of the present system; the proper foot contact with the ground is facilitated by the lifting of the rear of the foot determined by the intervention of elastic band that applies its reaction to the rear of the foot.

The garment and the kit also enable an extremely high number of gymnastic and rehabilitation exercises.

The exercises can be performed may be very different among them, affecting, with variable intensity, different parts of the body, with different methods of approach to the exercise and, consequently, with the ability to perform both workouts generic type that aimed at specific targets, of sporty and/or of rehabilitation type.

The garment and the kit have a structure of simple construction, user friendly and of considerable strength, able to maintain its characteristics unchanged even after prolonged use.

As will be described in detail below, the present invention constitutes a functional and integral element of the movement without constituting a tool bulky or showy; in other words, with the present invention it is possible to perform gymnastic and rehabilitation exercises with a dynamic use of a garment capable to effectively integrate the motorial requirements with an extremely high fit, such as to allow the use of the garment in all conditions.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention will be best understood by anyone skilled in the art from the following description and with the help of the attached drawings given as a practical exemplification of the invention, but not to be considered in a limiting sense, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a possible embodiment of a gymnic garment in accordance with the present invention worn by a user;

FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5 show the example of FIG. 1, which is represented, respectively, in a front view, in a partial rear view from the inside, in a partial rear view of the outer, in a rear view;

FIGS. 6, 7 relate to particulars of the means for adjusting the straps;

FIGS. 8, 9 are perspective views of a shoe of the invention, represented in two possible embodiments;

FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 are schematic views relating to manufacturing a sole for footwear in accordance with the invention according to the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view from the rear of another possible embodiment of the invention, in which is visible a trousers combined with a shoe;

FIGS. 14, 15 are partial perspective views from the rear relative to the binding mode of the shoe to the trousers, according to the example of FIG. 13;

FIGS. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 show the example of FIG. 13, which is represented, respectively, in a rear view of only trousers (FIG. 16), in a perspective view from the rear of the trousers with the shoe (FIG. 17), in a front view (FIG. 18) and rear view (19) of only trousers, and in a view relevant to three particulars (FIG. 20), with a partial rear view of the outer (left in the drawing), a partial view from the inside (at center), and a view relevant to the composition of the elastic band (on right);

FIG. 21 is relative to a shoe used in accordance with the example of FIG. 13, represented, respectively, in a rear view and a side view;

FIGS. 22, 23 show another possible embodiment of a gymnic garment in accordance with the present invention; in particular, FIG. 22 is a front view and FIG. 23 is a rear view with an enlarged particular; and

FIGS. 24, 25 show a further possible embodiment of a gymnic garment in accordance with the present invention; in particular, FIG. 24 is a front view and FIG. 25 is a rear view.

Referring initially to the example of the drawings of FIGS. 1-12, an exercise device or kit according to the invention (marked with the reference 1 in the present description) is used to allow the execution of exercises exploiting the elastic reaction of extensible elements.

The extensible elements are constituted by a pair of elastic elongate elements (for example bands or straps, or substantially tubular elongated elements) (2), presenting a distal or bottom end (20) and a proximal or upper end (21).

The kit (1) further comprises a garment worn by the user comprising a pair of trousers (3) provided with a pair of channels (32), extending along both legs of the trousers (3), in which are inserted said elastic straps (2), and fastening means for connecting said proximal end (21) of the straps (2) to the trousers (3).

The gymnic device or kit (1) further comprises a pair of shoes (4) provided with fastening means for said distal end (20) of said elastic straps (2).

In particular, the adjustment means of the deformability of said straps (2) are constituted by adjusting means (23) for regulating the length of the portion of strap comprised between the lower end (20), fixed to the shoe, and the upper end (21), attached to the trousers at the waist.

In the illustrated example, the adjustment means (23) of the length of the straps (2) comprise, for each side of the trousers, a buckle that holds said upper end (21) of each strap (2).

It is particularly important the arrangement of channels (32) with respect to the trousers (3). In fact, studies conducted by the applicants have shown that the optimal path for said channels is a kind of slight curve, starting from the external area of the trousers leg, in correspondence of the hips, and which extends towards the rear of the leg. With this arrangement of the channels (32), the elastic reaction of the straps (2) does not affect the fit of the garment and the correct execution of the exercises. At the same time, the elastic straps can perform a slight sliding inside the channels making even more effective the execution of the exercises, without any prejudice to the wearability of the garment.

In FIG. 3 is shown the channel (32) from the inside. The channel (32) is internally delimited by fabric, for example of the type used to line the pockets and/or in jersey or other convenient type. In its upper portion, the channel (32) has an opening (30) crossed by the strap (2), which protrudes from the channel (32) inside of the trousers, as shown in the lower part of the drawing.

The distal or bottom end (20) of the straps (2) is provided with a closed ring (22) adapted to wrap a portion of the users foot. The ring (22) can wrap the foot and it can be directly inserted inside the shoe (4). Alternatively, the ring (22) can wrap the foot indirectly, passing in a relative seat or groove (40) provided in each of said footwear (4). The groove (40) may be part of the sole (43) made of rubber or plastic material, defining a rear opening of the same.

The action of the ring (22) is exerted on the rear part of the foot; in practice, the elastic reaction provided by the straps (2) determines and/or facilitates the lifting of the heel. The lifting of the heel causes the proper contact of the foot with the ground (with the area of the metatarsus). This feature has a great importance in the use in the field of rehabilitation of the present invention. Even people affected by movement deficits (such as, for example, in the case of sclerosis) can walk with greater ease. In other words, with the present invention, it is obtained a facilitation in the lifting of the leg that determines, in “automatic”, a flexion of the leg and the consequent proper foot contact with the ground, also thanks to the lifting of the heel.

As shown in FIG. 9 the footwear (4) are provided with means for locking the closed ring (22) adapted to prevent the dissociation between said lower end (20) and the shoe (4). Such means can be constituted by a collar (44) that wraps around the back of the shoe (4). To fix the collar (44) to the shoe may be provided snap fasteners, Velcro, or other releasable fastening means.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, the shoe can be provided with a wedge (41) or similar filler element, adapted to be inserted into the groove (40). The wedge (41) can be used to use the shoe (4) when the shoes (4) are not worn with the trousers (3) to constitute a pair of shoes for common use. The wedge (41) can also be used to lock the ring (22) as an alternative of the collar (44).

In accordance with the invention, in an embodiment which does not require the use of “dedicated” shoes, a garment to allow the execution of gymnastic exercises exploiting the elastic reaction of extensible elements comprises: a pair of elastic straps (2), having a distal or bottom end (20) and a proximal or upper end (21); said lower end (20) being provided with a closed ring (22) adapted to be fitted directly or indirectly on a portion of the user's foot and a garment worn by the user comprising a pair of trousers (3) provided with a pair of channels (32), extending along both legs of the trousers (3), in which are inserted the said elastic straps (2), and fastening means for said proximal end (21) of the straps (2) to the trousers (3).

For the realization of trousers (3) can be used woven fabrics of a known type, for example cotton or other fibers, and in particular of type jeans, also elasticized. The trousers will be equipped with suitable reinforcing elements (33) such as, for example, reinforced seams, bar tacks, etc. In the drawings, different types of reinforcement are marked with the reference (33).

For the straps (2) good results have been obtained with rubber bands or particularly elastic fabric.

The shoes (4) are preferably of sporty type, with the sole (43) of plastic, rubber, etc.

In FIGS. 13-21 is represented another possible embodiment of the invention, for which the same references have been used to indicate corresponding parts. Compared to the example previously described, are different, among other things, the material used for the trousers (3) (which in this case is preferably elastically yielding, for example, Lycra) and the means of fixing means to footwear (4); means which comprise snap fasteners (43), with a part (43 a) fixed to the distal part (20) of the strap (2) and the other part (43 b) fixed to the shoe (4) in correspondence of the rear part of the foot, above the heel. This particular means of association between shoes (4) and straps (2) is extremely effective from the functional point of view, both for the movement of the user, both for ease of fastening.

In fact, the positioning in the back of the foot determines a great facilitation of obtaining correct positioning of the foot in the contact phase on the ground. With the present invention, the elastic reaction provided by the straps (2) determines and/or facilitates the lifting of the heel. This feature has a great importance in the use of the present invention in the field of rehabilitation. Even people affected by motor deficits (such as, for example, in the case of sclerosis) can walk with greater ease. In other words, with the present invention it is obtained a facilitation in the lifting of the leg that determines, as expressed above, the leg flexion and the consequent proper foot support, also thanks to the lifting of the heel.

The trousers (3) shown in FIGS. 13-21 is provided with a drawstring closure (35) and loops (34) of considerable size, i.e. able to accommodate for long portions the belt (31). The belt (31) is provided with a buckle (37). On the belt (31), on the rear and in correspondence of the hips, are fit two loops (36) that support the buckles (23) which allow the adjustment of the length of the straps (2). A link is thereby realized between the straps (which, at the bottom, are attached to the footwear) and the belt.

Even in this case, the extensible elements are constituted by a pair of elastic straps (2), presenting a distal or bottom end (20) and a proximal or upper end (21). In particular, as best seen in FIG. 21, the strap (2) may comprise the distal end (20) and proximal end (21) in non-elastic tape, and the central part (24) of elastic material. This particular configuration allows to obtain a considerable strength in the end zones, which are exposed, and a softness in the central zone (24), that remains inside the channel (32).

Even in this case the trajectory of the channels (32) with respect to the trousers (3) is a kind of slight curve, starting from the external area of the pant trousers, in correspondence of the sides, and which extends towards the rear of the leg. With this arrangement of the channels (32), the elastic reaction of the straps (2) does not affect the fit of the garment and the correct execution of the exercises. At the same time, the elastic straps can perform a slight sliding inside the channels making even more effective the execution of the exercises, without any prejudice to the wearability of the garment.

FIGS. 22, 23 show another possible embodiment of a gymnic garment in accordance with the present invention; in particular, FIG. 22 is a front view and FIG. 23 is a rear view with an enlarged particular; and

FIGS. 24, 25 show a further possible embodiment of a gymnic garment in accordance with the present invention; in particular, FIG. 24 is a front view and FIG. 25 is a rear view.

In FIGS. 22, 23 is represented another possible embodiment of the invention, for which the same references have been used to indicate corresponding parts. In this case, the material used for the trousers (3) is preferably elastically yielding, for example, Lycra or similar fabrics, in order to realize tracksuit trousers (sweatpants).

In this example, each of said channels (32) extends, from top to bottom of the trousers, according to a curved path that starts from the external area of the trousers leg, in correspondence of the sides, and that extends towards the rear area of the leg. In practice, each channel starts in correspondence of the sides or hips and finishes in correspondence of the rear part of the leg. The path is substantially similar to the path of the previous described examples but, in this case, the channel is substantially lambda-shaped, being formed by a double channel. The upper part (32 a) of the double channel is formed by two parallel channels and the lower part is formed by two channels (32 b, 32 c) which (like a lambda lowercase letter) are separated and end in correspondence of the loop (22) which defines the distal part of the trousers.

In this example, the elastic element (2) has a tubular structure and it can have a diameter of about 3-5 mm and the relevant adjustment means (23) are correspondently realized. In fact, as better shown in the enlarged particular, the means for regulating the deformability of the straps (2) are constituted by adjusting means (23) for regulating the length of the portion of the acting elastic element (2) and consequently the elastic reaction offered to the user.

In particular, the adjusting means (23) comprises, for each elastic element (2), a locking spring lace device (230) which is fitted on the loop (200) formed by the double elastic element protruding trough two holes (232) of two connecting plates (231) disposed on the waist zone of the trousers (3). The numeral (31 a) marks the waistband of the trousers in FIGS. 22 and 23.

The lambda-shape of the channel (32) determines a very correct reaction because the two lower ends (32 b, 32 c) work on the two sides of the foot, with an equilibrate division of forces.

The plates (231) are in a material which allows the use of the trousers without rigidity. A possible material is fabric.

The connection between the elastic element (2) and the back of the foot and the equilibrium between the two lateral sides of the foot determine a great facilitation for obtaining correct positioning of the foot in the contact phase on the ground. With the present invention, the elastic reaction provided by the straps (2) determines and/or facilitates the lifting of the heel, with the advantages cited above.

The advantages of an equilibrated division of the forces is provided also by the trousers shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. In these figures is represented a further embodiment of the invention, for which the same references have been used to indicate corresponding parts. In this case, the material used for the trousers (3) is the fabric normally used for trouser of jeans type, for example, elasticized cotton or similar fabrics.

Also in this example each of said channels (32) extends, from top to bottom of the trousers, according to a curved path like a lambda lowercase letter.

In this example, the elastic element (2) can have a tubular structure, but the trousers are not provided with adjustment means (23). The elastic elements (or the elastic straps) in this case can be pre-loaded according to a prefixed ratio. Anyway, the lambda-shape of the channel (32) determines a very correct reaction because the two lower ends (32 b, 32 c) work on the two sides of the foot, with an equilibrate division of forces, ad in the previous example of FIGS. 22 and 23.

The details of execution may vary in any equivalent way as in the shape, dimensions, elements disposition, nature of the materials used, without leaving the scope of the adopted solution and thus remaining within the limits of the protection granted by this patent. Furthermore, the details of execution may vary in any equivalent way as in the shape, dimensions, elements disposition, nature of the materials used, without departing from the idea of solution adopted and therefore remaining within the limits of the protection granted by this patent. 

1. A gymnic device or kit for the execution of exercises exploiting the elastic reaction of extensible elements, wherein the device or kit comprises: a pair of elastic elements or elastic straps, presenting a distal or bottom end and a proximal or upper end; a garment wearable by the user comprising a pair of trousers provided with a pair of channels, extending along both legs of the trousers and in which are inserted said elastic elements or elastic straps, and with fastening means for fixing said proximal end of the elements or the straps to the trousers; each of said channels extending, from top to bottom of the pair of trousers, according to a curved path that starts from the external area of the trousers leg, in correspondence of the sides, and that extends towards the rear area of the leg; a pair of shoes provided with fastening means for said distal end of said elastic elements or elastic straps.
 2. The gymnic device of claim 1 wherein said elastic elements or elastic straps are fixed to the shoe in correspondence of a rear zone of the same, so as to determine the lifting of the heel with the elastic reaction of the elastic elements or elastic straps.
 3. The gymnic device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises means for adjusting the deformability of said elastic elements or elastic straps consisting of means for adjusting the length of a portion of said elastic element or said strap between the lower end, fixed to the shoe, and the upper end, fixed to the trousers at a waist of the user.
 4. The gymnic device of 1, wherein the device comprises means for adjusting the deformability of said elastic element or straps consisting of means for adjusting the length of the portion of elastic element or strap between the lower end, fixed to the shoe, and the upper end, fixed to the trousers at the waist and wherein the means for adjusting the length of the elements or the straps comprise a buckle that holds said upper end of each element or strap.
 5. The gymnic device of 1, wherein each of said channels extends, from top to bottom of the trousers, according to a curved path that is substantially lambda-shaped, being formed by a double channel having an upper part formed by two parallel channels and a lower part formed by two channels which are separated and end in correspondence of a loop which defines the distal part of the trousers.
 6. The gymnic device of 1, wherein each of said channels extends, from top to bottom of the trousers, according to a curved path that is substantially lambda-shaped, being formed by a double channel having an upper part formed by two parallel channels and a lower part formed by two channels which are separated and which end in correspondence of a loop which defines the distal part of the trousers and wherein the device comprises means for regulating the deformability of the elastic elements, means that comprises, for each elastic element, a locking spring lace device which is fitted on a loop formed by an elastic element inserted in said two channels and protruding trough two holes of two connecting plates disposed on the waist zone of the trousers.
 7. The gymnic device of 1, wherein said distal or bottom end of the elements or the straps is provided with a closed ring adapted to wrap a portion of the user's foot directly around to the foot itself or, indirectly, by passing in a relative seat provided in each of said shoes and wherein each of said shoes is provided with locking means for said closed ring acting to prevent the dissociation of said lower end from the shoe.
 8. A gymnic garment for the execution of exercises exploiting the elastic reaction of extensible elements, wherein it comprises; a pair of elastic elements or elastic straps, presenting a distal or bottom end and a proximal or upper end; a garment wearable by the user comprising a pair of trousers provided with a pair of channels, extending along both legs of the trousers and in which are inserted said elastic elements or elastic straps, and with fastening means for fixing said proximal end of the elements or the straps to the trousers; each of said channels extending, from top to bottom of the pair of trousers, according to a curved path that starts from the external area of the trousers leg, in correspondence of the sides, and that extends towards the rear area of the leg.
 9. The garment of claim 8, wherein said elastic elements or elastic straps are fixed to the shoe in correspondence of a rear zone of the same, so as to determine the lifting of the heel with the elastic reaction of the elastic elements or elastic straps.
 10. The garment of claim 8, wherein it comprises means for adjusting the deformability of said elastic elements or elastic straps consisting of means for adjusting the length of a portion of elastic element or strap between the lower end, fixed to the shoe, and the upper end, fixed to the trousers at a waist of the user.
 11. The garment of claim 8, wherein it comprises means for adjusting the deformability of said elastic elements or straps consisting of means for adjusting the length of a portion of elastic element or strap between the lower end, fixed to the shoe, and the upper end, fixed to the trousers at the waist and wherein the means for adjusting the length of the elements or the straps comprise a buckle that holds said upper end of each element or strap.
 12. The garment of claim 8, wherein each of said channels extends, from top to bottom of the trousers, according to a curved path that is substantially lambda-shaped, being formed by a double channel having an upper part formed by two parallel channels and a lower part formed by two channels which are separated and end in correspondence of a loop which defines the distal part of the trousers.
 13. The garment of claim 8, wherein each of said channels extends, from top to bottom of the trousers, according to a curved path that is substantially lambda-shaped, being formed by a double channel having an upper part formed by two parallel channels and a lower part formed by two channels which are separated and which end in correspondence of a loop which defines the distal part of the trousers and wherein the device comprises means for regulating the deformability of the elastic elements, means that comprises, for each elastic element, a locking spring lace device which is fitted on a loop formed by an elastic element inserted in said two channels and protruding trough two holes of two connecting plates disposed on the waist zone of the trousers.
 14. The garment of claim 8, wherein said distal or bottom end of the elements or the straps is provided with a closed ring adapted to wrap a portion of the user's foot directly around to the foot itself or, indirectly, by passing in a relative seat provided in each of said shoes and wherein each of said shoes is provided with locking means for said closed ring acting to prevent the dissociation of said lower end from the shoe. 